Pre-Departure Blues: Sunday, June 30th

The strength of a language does not lie in rejecting what is foreign but in assimilating it. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist, novelist, and philosopher (1749-1832) 

Insanity is relative. It depends on who has who locked in what cage. -Ray Bradbury, writer (1920-2012) 

Fustilarian:

MEANING:

noun: A fat and slovenly person.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Middle English fusty (smelly, moldy). Earliest documented use: 1600.

NOTES:

The first recorded use of the word is from Shakespeare's Henry IV in which Falstaff exclaims, "Away, you scullion! You rampallion! You fustilarian! I'll tickle your catastrophe." 

[Desi Arnaz, married to Lucille Ball, another MGM star. The two lived on their farm outside Chatsworth, California. They built their own swimming pool, playhouse, garden furniture.]

Hi Kids!  Just a brief note to thank O Susannah and Champagne Charlie for the most wonderful evening of bridge in recorded history! Food was stellare and so were high end bridge prizes. Thanks to The Penguin for the most appreciated ride to and from Bridge Centrale! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Giggster! Thanks, foist and formoist, for the simply wonderful, wonderful dinner, from both Coriandre and I. Also thoroughly enjoyed Bard. (Thanks to Jacob Two Two for valet chauffeur services!) Trust junket to Squamish and environs went well and was enjoyed by one and all. I trust you stopped for lattes as well as some Devil's Elbow India Pale Ale!

Had a grand ride lasterday. Had decided that I wasn't going to join Robo Man and Sneaky Pete out to Steveston as they were headed along the route with long stretches of gravel to take them to Shell Road but wasn't really sure where I was going to ride myself. Then read a message from Sarge when I was up to feed Maggster and he said he was meeting Nicolina and Marvinator on Spirit Trail at 10:00am to ride to Horseshoe Bay. Delighted to join them so we left Heartbreak Terrrace at 9:00am to make our way to SP. 

Plenty of cyclistii, pelotonii and dangerous touristii, but we made it unscathed, over Lions Gate. We had to dipsy doodle until The Kids arrived and when they did, Nicolin'a seat needed some adjusting. Once that was sorted out, we entered the No Ride Zone of Ambleside, carefully threading our way through the Good Burghers of West Van and their pesky pooches, spitting on their self-absorbed glares.

When I first heard about the ride, I wondered if Nicolina could manage hills and distance as I knew she didn't really cycle such routes. Anyway, Marvinator and I were ahead of the other two and a hill climb or two before Lighthouse Park I went ahead while Marvinator turned around to see how they were doing. By the time I reached Eagle Harbour Marina I decided I'd keep going. Earlier in ride Sarge had said that he wasn't planning on going into HB Village anyway so I thought since I wanted to do just that, I would probably still be able to catch up somewhere on return leg. Never happened so not sure exactly what transpired with Riders of the Lost Minds!
 

Had close to 60 K on the clock by the time i was back in enemy territory so thought I'd make my way back along Spirit Trail and then along Harbourside. Very quiet here so I didpsy doodled quite pleasantly to chalk up the klicks and just over 75 K on the trusty odometre by the time I was making for the bridge approach. Noticed another rider at the corner of MD and Taylor Way where we turn to go across the MD bridge. He passed me before we went over the river and I noticed a banana tucked into one of the pockets on his cycling jersey. Anyway, he hurtled ahead so I thought that was the last I'd see of him, coughing and sputtering as I was from the dust he left in his wake. 

However, on the long, long climb to the crest of the LG span, I caught up to him and could easily have passed him but decided not to do so. However, he pulled aside just after the last set of uprights before SP and I went ahead. Thought about snatching his banana as I went by, gobbling it down and leaving the skin as a hazard but thought that was too, too Hungerford making!

Once off the Causeway, he came up beside me on SP Drive and we started chatting. Rode together all the way down PPH and I learned that he had just come from Cypress, a regular ride for him. We introduced ourselves and I learned that Ryan lived in Kits, (15th/ Waterloo), and it takes him about an hour to get to first lookout point on ascent. Not exactly sure where that is but he said steepest part of ride was probably getting out of West Van. About 15 K of steady slogging up Cypress, as you may know, but nothing overly steep I gather. 

Anyway, we parted at N Lagoon Dr as I wanted to do one PPHL, to give me at least 100 K by ride's end. Ryan, for his part, said he had had enough climbing for the day and we laughed. Really pleasant young chap and I hope we bump into each other again. Told him I would steal his banana next time! In spite of the fact that I hadn't done such a taxing ride as Ryan I felt pretty
pleased with how I felt and was soon making my way towards the bottleneck of English Bay. Pleased that it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated and was prety smooth sailing from there on to return to The Heartache Hotel with 101.4 K over 4:52:45, AVG 20.7 KPH, MAX 55.0 KPH. 

 Had a large java, (Grande verging towards a Venti!), and a bite to eat, (piece, Grande verging towards a Venti!) of overleft cheesecake dessert from Thursday's feast!), before giving my Madone a thorough de-greasing, (bourbon porch-climber), wash, (Cora Lee's unguents), shine, (with Maggie's tail), and lube, (sustainable salmon oil.) Might ask Obi Wan Coby to show me fine tuneage, in next few days, if that woiks!

Put together a plate of hors d'oeuvres and at 4;30 The Penguin and her Mother, Gladys Knight and the Pips, picked us up and we made for the Pitchforks who live on Rosemont Drive just of Kerr. We sat outside on their comfortable patio and had a great evening of bridge. Since there were six of us, we rotated. O Susannah and Champagne were busy preparing food, etc., so four of us played first. When It was my turn to sit out Charlie showed me their recently redecorated den and I watched first day of the Tour de France on a 60" screen. I almost didn't want to go back upstairs to play more cards! 

Glad that I did, however, a I had some very powerful hands. Funnily enough, some of most interesting ones were contracts I managed to eke out with overcalls. One, in particular, 5 Diamonds, where Cora Lee's hand was a perfect meld with mine. More Good Luck than Manageement as Dusty is wont to say! Anyway, it was more than a delightful, delightful evening, all around, from food, to company, to cards, to air temperature. Late afternoon sun was very hot and we had to move umbrella a number of times to shade players. Light breeze, wafting across patio, made it perfect and even later in the evening, (We stayed outside until after 11:00 pm.), one didn't need a sweater. 

First truly summer day/evening I think and what heaven it was. (I imagine climb up Chief might have been a scorcher!) Not sure about when I will ride today but I'll give you a call and maybe we can stitch something together. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

Thanks Patrick I appreciate your kind and thoughtful feedback. Regards, Graeme

Hi again, Graeme!

I see from Legacy's newsletter that you are doing another tasting there. I've forwarded that message to some of my other friends who weren't able to attend one at Edgemont. By chance, close friend, Peter Lighthall, (Part of group with a share in Shelter Point cask), from Naramata, was visiting last week. He is a close friend of Fred Wuhrer, from Saanich, who heads up the Sydney Whisky Tasting Society. 

From what you mentioned during your talk, I assume you may well know Fred. At any rate, he had given Peter a small bottle, 196 ml, of Kavalan Soloist. We tasted it against three malts I had "hooded", (My Mom was a great knitter and I asked her to make bottle socks for blind tastings and I'm now using them for malts as well.): Ardbeg Galileo, 76.92 Ticks all the boxes, [26 years old from Mortlach], a Scotch Malt Whiskey Society offering I bought at the Silent Auction at the VWF Dram Come True this past May 31st and the Mackinlay Shackleton re-creation. 

The blended malt paled in comparison to others and everyone seemed to prefer the Soloist over it as well. However, I must say that when I first tried the Nimrod "house" malt, last December, as a treat to myself for my 65th, I, and others, found it a very tasty drop indeed. Again, Buona Fortuna with Victoria Caledonian! Happy Canada Day! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Paolo and Joan!

Thank you for coming and for the wonderful, wonderful desserts!

Think I had mentioned, on Thursday evening, the tasting done by Graeme Macaloney, earlier that week. I sent him a message thanking him for his efforts and had a note back from him this morning. Who knows, perhaps VC's first release may be at a future DCT! Thanks for kind wishes for our travels. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

  Hi Jugos Dom Pedro and Miranda/Johannes, The Hard of Hearing!

Thanks to everyone for bridge, food, hootch and hilarity! Wonderful to meet you both, Miranda and John. Hope that we can play more bridge when we return. You are both welcome to join our modest, weekly bridge gathering, should time, inclination and schedules allow. John, I'll pass along your email address to Whirlygig and he can contact you with an invitation. Not sure what will happen over summer months but who knows.

Trust all goes well with everyone, baby vines included! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Three Weddings and a Ferry Ride People!

Trust travel connezziones  went smoothly and wedding was fun. Just a short note to thank you both again for the wonderful wonderful visit and all your wonderful, wonderful gifts. Hope to have the snow peas and broccoli tonight. I'm spitting cherry pits onto the floor, as I scribe. Maggie is batting them all over the place, acting like a kitten! Guess I'll have to vacuum before Coriandre returns from praying for my black soul!

So that we wouldn't be too, too lonely, after you two abandoned us, we made sure we had another social engagement and had a lovely meal with Kerry, Tia Maria and Whirlygig that evening. Buona Fortuna on your exciting travels in China, dear, dear friends. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hi Raymond!

Glad to learn that you didn't stop for any lattes an such! Not sure about when I will ride today but I'll give you a call and maybe we can stitch something together. Sarge would like to ride fairly early on tomorrow morning so perhaps that might work as well. Cheers, Il Conduttore.

Hi Big Al!

No need to apologize for anything. We've been so busy I hardly know what day it is myself! I gather you are probably enjoying La Dolce Vita in Sunshine Valley this long weekend. Talk soon. Next weekend looks pretty good so far. Only have to pack my bag! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

 Hi Roberto!

Grand news. Buona Fortuna with sales! Peter and Lynne stayed with us this past Wednesday/Thursday. Had a wonderful evening of bridge on Wednesday with Peter's cousin, John, and his partner, Miranda. Cheers, Patrizzio 

Great story Patrick! 

Isn’t the love of whisky, shared with friends, just wonderful J Yes, I know Fred well – I have done various different ‘fun’ whisky tastings for his club.

Given that you can participate in our hands-on whisky academy and exclusive ‘founder-owner’ bottling’s, by either transferring existing RRSP monies from your mutual fund investments, or by putting $10k or more in to an RRSP, which when doubled up with the EBC, can get you up to $7k back in personal income taxes, are you interested to consider becoming a ‘Founder-Owner’? Best Regards, Graeme

Hi Graeme!

The offer is very, very attractive but, truth be told, I'm far more interested, at my age, 65, by and large, in sampling malt than in waiting for it and any related investments to mature. Selfish person that I am, I'm not too, too worried about leaving a legacy for my children. What ever I don't spend before going to the Great Pot Still in the Sky they are more than welcome to have and use as they see fit. But I'm not going to change my lifestyle to try and make that estate any larger. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Great philosophy J.  I will remove you from my ‘pester’ list. Best regards, Graeme                                                        

Hi Lads: Anyone keen to ride tomorrow morning, between 8-9:00 am, perhaps out to Iona? Let me know, one way or tother. Cheers, Patrizzio!

I am in to leaving at 8 30. Wayne

In the midst of house painting and need to use the cooler, earlier hours unfortunately. Ray
 
Today: UBC via 4th 33.4 k over 1:43:33, AVG 19.3 KPH, MAX 57.9 KPH, Dunbar at 16th to Blenheim. 
 

Pre-Departure Blues: Saturday, June 29th

When I go into the garden with a spade, and dig a bed, I feel such an exhilaration and health that I discover that I have been defrauding myself all this time in letting others do for me what I should have done with my own hands. -Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882) 

Night Market, Chinatown, Vancouver!

Hi Sarge!

Great! I'm delighted to join you. I assume we will be going over Lions Gate and meeting them somewhere on Spirit Trail before making for HB. Is this correct? At any rate, I'll be ready at 8:50 am. Cheers, Patrizzio! That's the plan. Wayne

Hi Raymond!

Had a lovely meal with Kerry, Tia Maria and Whirlygig last evening before Jacob Two Two dropped us off at Bard. Enjoyed production of Hamlet immensely. Very modern, contemporary interpretation which, in my opinion worked extremely well: iPods and iPads are used to turn music on and off, used to show characters pictures of other characters; Claudius' court is depicted as a global, corporate office with courtiers as accountants, executive secretaries, security people and the like. Claudius, himself, is a dissolute, jet-setter playboy. Costumes are simply wonderful, designed, as it turns out by the partner, Nancy Bryant, of one of our Book Club members, Guy Riecken.

 Jonathon Young, as Hamlet, gives a very, very powerful performance, as do rest of entire crew. I thought that Laertes, Todd Thomson, was perhaps the weakest of the lot but seemed to "grow" as play proceeded. Some interesting casting choices as Horatio, Jennifer Lines, is played as a woman and Rosencrantz, Naomi Wright, and Guildenstern, Craifg Erickson, as a fawning, greedy, heterosexual couple. Polonius, Richard Newman, is remarkable and Ophelia, Rachel Cairns, makes us believe her descent into grief and suicide are inevitable. The stage management works like clockwork, with hotel staff re-arranging furniture for meetings, making beds, serving drinks at cocktail parties, etc.

As it turns out, I'll be riding to Horseshoe Bay with Sarge, Marvinator and Nicolina. Hello to Petros and enjoy the lattes in Steveston. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thought that you might appreciate this quotation:

When I go into the garden with a spade, and dig a bed, I feel such an exhilaration and health that I discover that I have been defrauding myself all this time in letting others do for me what I should have done with my own hands. -Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882) 

Pat, Hope you had a great and safe ride. Pete and I did a leisurely ride to Steveston. It was hot even at 8:30 but as Rod wasn't there, we didn't stop for coffee etc.

    

Been working on the painting all afternoon and just finished watching some of the first leg of the Tour de France in Corsica.

    

Picked up 3 books from the library on return although the back pack required made me even hotter. Can't yet decide which of the 3 I will start :-

        Child 44

        Little Green, Walter Mosley.

        Tuesday's Gone, Nicci French (pseudonym for the writing partnership of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French Maybe the latter. Ray

Many thanks Pat & Corinne for the enjoyable evening on Thursday. Safe travels in the months ahead and we'll see you in the fall. Best Wishes....Paul & Joan

Hi Patrick and Corinne, See John's message.  I agree, it was a good quiet evening of bridge. Peter 

Hi Pete: Miranda and I enjoyed potluck and bridge with the Merry Band of men on Wednesday.  I didn't bring my hearing aids; but fortunately that was not a
problem.  We enjoyed everyone's enthusiasm for the game of bridge.  I don't
have Patrick or Corinne"s  e-mail.perhaps you will be able to tell them we
had fun. Regards, Cousin John 

Hi Janet! Is the preferred ride still on? Give me a shout. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

I was going to give you a shout before we left as requested by the Conductor!!  😊 I will now just show up at 420. J

Why Paper Cuts Hurt So @%^$@ Much

You probably don't need an explanation as to how the injury pictured above happens. And you probably don't need to be told how much they hurt -- so, so much, especially given the relatively tiny injury to a body part which is generally rather hardy. So, let's talk about why this happens.

First, why do we get paper cuts in the first place? How can a sheet of paper slice our skin in a way that a much sharper, otherwise more dangerous item never could?

The short answer is that the edges of paper are actually pretty sharp, even if the sheet as a whole isn't. Rub your finger slowly over the edge next time you get a chance (slowly! don't get a paper cut on my account!) and you'll intuitively understand the risk it entails. According to Wikipedia, when paper sheets are "strongly fashioned together" -- such as out of a fresh ream of paper -- they're more likely to cause you harm, so caveat paper-user. (There needs to be a good Latin word for that.)

The cause of the pain, though -- that's much less straightforward. There are a few theories.

One potential culprit is the location of the injury. Our hands (and in particular, our fingers) have a large number of nociceptors -- ABC News describes them as "the nerve fibers that send touch and pain messages to our brain" -- and a high density of nociceptors to boot. The paper cut stimulates a lot of nociceptors and therefore our brains get a disproportionately high indicator of pain. And really, that's what pain is -- a message from our brains telling us to freak out (and ideally, stop what we're doing or get help).
 
On top of that, the paper isn't a smooth edge like a razor blade is, as mental_floss observes. At a microscopic level, paper's edges are jagged and, therefore, act like a teeny-tiny buzz saw through a field of pain receptors, making a proportionally large number of similarly tiny cuts along the way. And then there's the question of the leave-behinds. Indiana Public Media's "A Moment of Science" points out that some of paper's component parts are often left behind within the cut (this isn't true when talking about a metal razor blade), and as the wound heals, these foreign objects jab and prod at the injury from within.

To make matters worse, paper cuts rarely bleed very much, because they're so shallow and our skin in that area is generally thick. The lack of blood means that there's little opportunity for a blood clot to form, protecting the wound. As we use the injured finger, there's a very large chance the the cut will re-open, exposing the same nociceptors to the air, and triggering the "ouch!" message once again.

But if it's any solace, the next time you cut your finger, you'll be able to go through the theories as to why it hurt so much -- a few seconds after you're done prattling off some expletives.

"Isolated for thousands of years deep in the western Amazon rain forests is the small tribe of the Cinta Larga. Though their technology is primitive, the Cinta Larga are masters of hunting, fishing, and trailblazing, with an extraordinary ability to see, hear and smell game. Cinta Larga men will take women to be their wives when they are eight to ten years old, and if there are none eligible, will take a wife from a man who already has three or more -- or take one from a neighboring village. And if a Cinta Larga woman is unhappy in her marriage she can dissolve it -- or stay in it and take a lover." Candice Millard, River of Doubt, Anchor Books, 2005

  

Pre-Departure Blues: Thursday, June 27th

To die for an idea; it is unquestionably noble. But how much nobler it would be if men died for ideas that were true. -H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (1880-1956)

P-Claudius, Thanks for the bridge night and the great dinner. Fun night was had by all. If you are looking for malt thieves I suggest you go no further than the local constabulary on the floor below. A citizen arrest would be apropos. 

Sorry I missed you today. Hope you got out. I finally got off my arse about 2:00 and it rained on me all 30 km. Weather looks more promising tomorrow. Let me know your plans. I will take the MT to friends sometime int he morning then will be available. W 

Hi Pat,  Story of my life lately but realize I've got a lot to do tomorrow plus the weather is a little iffy so I think I should pass on the ride tomorrow. I will be home next weekend however and would like to get out before you go so let's plan for an outing then if possible. Thanks, Al

I heard you might be going my way Saturday afternoon/evening. If you like a ride I'm driving. Janet

Hi Patrick,

Well, at last, after a lot of work and help from many people, Oboe is now available. At the moment, it is only for Kindle but will be available in paperback in a few days. The best way to access it, is to go into Amazon, select "Kindle Store" in the search box and search for "Robert P. French".

Although it has been a long time in coming, the struggle has been worth it as I believe that it is my best work so far. Enjoy. Cheers, Robert.

Hello Duhlink!

Just a quick note to let you know Jamie phoned to say he will be coming to Beau Soleil, 11th-17th of September! I know you want to be sure your visit coincides with him being in Languedoc as well! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!




Thanks for your email Patrick and the great photos. Your place in Neffies sounds and looks delightful and the cycling should be terrific particularly since you will be in amongst all those vineyards! The rural roads in France are so free of traffic it's a real pleasure compared to the UK. If I had known about the Swedish Masseuses at Beau Soleil I would have changed my plans!

Spent the morning cycling with my nephew in Falmouth while Gayle did a spot of shopping. Not a large ride but very pleasant non the less. Cycled along the coast road with lovely views over Falmouth bay then headed inward to a local reservoir where we stopped and walked around the reservoir to a little cafe for a coffee which we found closed!  Ce la vie! Mike and his wife own a little apartment in Provence and go over whenever they can. Again he said the cycling is so pleasant there.

Yesterday Gayle and I had a visit to St Michaels Mount near Penzance. This is a 12th century castle on a mount in the bay which was originally a monastery and, although managed by the National Trust, is still home to the St Aubyn family but part of the castle is open to the public. It's only about 18 miles from here but the last time we visited it was 40 years ago! We don't get out much! Well worth visiting though.  It has a wonderful terraced garden full of unusual exotic sub tropical plants. At low tide you can walk to the mount along the causeway. At high tide you have to take a little boat. We can leave you are National Trust cards so you can make use of them while you are here.

Alberta Floods!

We are off in a few minutes to the local primary school for a talk on Cornish wild flowers. How exciting is that! Weather looks good tomorrow so hope to get a cycle in.

Guess you must be getting last things organized for your upcoming trip. The next 10 days will fly by I suspect. Gayle sends her best wishes.  All the best Derek 


Hi Ryan:

Thanks for quick reply! I'm delighted to hear you are pleased to send along one of your shirts. An XL would be wonderful, or a L, depending on availability. Thanks again and I'll spread the Montague word around Britain and France! Cheers, Patrick!  

Pre-Departure Blues: Wednesday, June 26th

I begin to see what marriage is for. It's to keep people away from each other. Sometimes I think that two people who love each other can be saved from madness only by the things that come between them: children, duties, visits, bores, relations, the things that protect married people from each other. -Edith Wharton, novelist (1862-1937) 

Hello Un-democratic People with Obvious Favourites!

Pleased that John and possibly, Miranda, (diplomatically forewarned, I note in passing!), will join us.

Since you, JDP, are obviously the Black Sheep of the family, it will be more than a pleasure to meet a balanced member of your clan! I'll be vacuuming, (I never stoop to dusting), when you are likely to arrive so please don't trip over the hose. 

You'll need to send LL up to front entrance to call so that The Concierge can buzz you in. We'll work out, (ie. "argue"), about where you should park inside over the course of what looks like a frenetic day of errands and fashion advice for my debut at the  US Consul's Prom!

On another matter, Sarge and I attended at tasting at Edgemont Village, yesterday evening, a Show-and-Tell conducted by Graeme Macaloney, as part of his effort to raise venture capital for the Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Brewpub.  Project already has permission to build/renovate in a now empty wharehouse next to the quays where cruise ships dock. Talk about location, location! Think I can speak for Sarge when I say how much we both enjoyed his presentation.

A peasant woman with a thread of gossamer in her hand
(detail from the painting Indian Summer)

Art: Józef Chelmonski (1849-1914)

It was a most interesting insight into not only malt whisky itself, (Have you heard about/tasted the 3 year olds from Taiwan, Kavalan?), but also the very complex process, (finance, marketing, human resources, bio-chemical processes), by which this elixir comes into being on our store shelves. I certainly appreciated his articulate delivery. He had much information, technical and other, to impart and did it with humour and much credibility.

As part of the "draw" we tasted two unnamed malts and when he revealed where they were from I think everyone was very surprised. One was the above mentioned, lower end Kavalan, (still about $180!), and a five year old Arran. Obviously the earlier to market the better the cash flow and this seems to be the evolving business model across the industry. However, according to Graeme and independent critics, such malts have being rated in the top 20 of all time best whiskys. At any rate, another whole conversation but I must say I was very impressed with the three year old and never imagined i would be.

After the spiel was over, a number of us repaired to the Edgemeont Wine Store, (Tasting took place in a funky bakery across the way!), where we were treated to two generous pours of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings, Passion-fruit scented candles, 58.1%, Cask No. 26.87, a Clynelish offering, $152.90, and A bag of boiled sweets, 62.9%, Cask No. G1.8, a grain offering from the North British Disillery, $206.90. Both most impressive and the latter an indication, again, of the move towards two other niche markets in the industry, Straight Rye and Pot Still Irish Whisky. Much to learn and much, much more to tipple!

Before leaving, we wished Graeme well, (He, in fact, stayed behind, at bakery, to talk hard business facts, (share offerings and the like), with earnest, aggressive young entrepreneur types.), in his endeavour and said we looked  forward to the day when we could sip a dram of the first offering in the new Victorian Caledonian Distillery and Brewpub. Loads to talk about after you have thrown your saladin together! Travel safely. Fondestos to Lynn, whom I'm  very much looking forward to seeing! Cheers, Patrick The Hurt! PS: Sorry Corny won't be joining us. I know just how it feels to be spurned!

Hi Sandra! Just recently I "connected" with Camilla and Ann on Linkedin. I don't have their regular email addresses and can't seem to post pictures on that system. At least I don't know how to do so. I mentioned to Camilla that I thought that there should be a tasting table in the incredible bathroom on third floor, I believe. In future, could it be arranged for malt to come out of the shower nozzles? Please pass along/share these snaps. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Nicotine Fiend!  Get thy addiction behind thee, NOW!

Pleased you are mixing work and relaxation. O the life on VI! Glad we might be able to share in La Dolce Vita in Parksville with you two. Plans aplenty!!! Fondestos to Natalia, whom I'm  very much looking forward to seeing again, and to you Heebie Jeebie Man! Cheers, Patrick The Unrelenting! 

Hi Stompin' Trust you are well. Don't really use this system but thought I'd say hello when I saw your name on one of the updates! I have another binder of Stackettes archival material, if interested. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have time to get together with you and Al before we leave for London on July 10th. Time is simply evaporating!

Lynne and Peter Lighthall are arriving today for two nights so it will be a busy time, playing bridge and tippling single malt, at least on the part of the insensitive husbands! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!


Hi Camilla! Have sent some pics to Sandra as I couldn't find your email on VWF site. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Giggster! Thanks for weather report as I can't use my computer or see what's going on outside the window as Cora Lee won't let me take off the blindfold and handcuffs she insisted I wear for the kinky sex last night! Sometimes I think The Sisterhood is a wonderful secret society!

Give me a shout if and when it looks promising ad I'll see if I can find the key to the manacles! At any rate, it looks like a frenetic day of errands and fashion advice for my debut at the  US Consul's Prom before bridge fest! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Can you tell me what time we r dining with u? What time is the writer's fest? I was going to do a chicken dish but don't have any chicken!! Lol so I took out sausages To BBQ and I will make a couscous salad . We r trying to figure out if we have time to stop by and see Avery .
Michele


Hi Flamin':

VWF event starts at 7:30 pm at Frederic Wood Theatre at UBC. We are planning to eat around 6:00ish, +/- , as things unfold or unravel, as it were! Cora Lee is doing some salmon on the bbq as well so she could pop the sasaugin on if you are pushed for time. Petros is making a Ceasare so don't worry about coucous if Avery comes before honouring your social obligazziones! All of this to be done in Darrow-like fashion with people coming and going, arguing at the top of their lungs and throwing beer bottles through neighbours' windows. People can munch when and as hungry so I wouldn't worry overmuch. This 'ain't Parksville, doncha know! Cheers, Il Scullione!

PS: I think I left the wine glass charms Vivacious and Sandra presented us with. Are they already around The Mounts? If so, we get glasses as well!

Hi Patrick, I'm not sure what I've done to earn such bitter invective.  Perhaps the small sample of Kavalan Soloist I'm bringing you will sweeten you up a bit.  Very interesting to hear of the lecture you and Sarge attended.  My friend Fred Wuhrer in Saanich, who heads up the Sydney Whisky tasting society, has also been telling me about the revolution in whisky making, driven to a great extend as you suggest by cash flow and growing global demand (there must be a lot of old farts like us).  Fred was telling me that the venerable Macallan brand is going away from age statements on most of their whiskies, except the 15-years olds and up.Thanks for all your hard work in preparing this special bridge occasion. See ya later, Peter

Chloe Alexis DunnMake your lunch plans around where the pig will be!!

Pig on the street

Hey folks, not out 2day, but we'll now b out thurs,fri at art gallery, sat at west end market & sun at the food truck fest :) c u there oink

Patrick James Dunn A dozen bacon brownies to go, please Sir!

Hi Paper Thin Skinned Pedro! Look into your recalcitrant heart, my boy, and the answer will come to you in a flask, (sorry, I meant to say "flash"), of cask strength light!

I forgot to mention that Graeme consults for Shelter Point and was very complimentary, genuinely so, about the operation. I guess that means he actually works for us! Keep the Soloist under your hat, (My absolute favourite, actually, from purloinage in New Orleans, you might wish to dis-remember!), until there are "just the two of us", a witty allusion, on my ever so humble part, to The Millionaires' oft spoken words regarding some high end wine that they are saving for when "There are just the four of us!

I gather Graeme would know Fred as part of "recruitment" process is obviously to speak to the converted, to meet with such societies as the one in Sydney. Graeme mentioned that global demand is stemming in large part, from China, India and Brazil, as you probably know. Last time we were with Stefano and Kathleen we visited a winery near Old Oak and it was shipping most of its production to China. 

Another much needed market for the overproduction in last decade or more, I believe. Question of "quality" comes to mind, in my mind, to the extent that this is really a very, very hard business model, driven to make repectable product, of course, but above all to make money. Graeme stated, quite unequivocally, that goal is to build business to a certain point and then sell it to a conglomerate to better able giant to market niche product. Way of the world, I suppose but I think, believe, trust there will always be the Nichols, Marichels and Black Widows to keep artisan quality alive and well and living in Naramata!

Corinne Durston

Patrick in his Hong Kong suit on his way to American Embassy reception for writer Jeannette Walls!

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  Sylvie Roy Wow bel homme! :0)
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  Beverley Wittwer looking pretty spiffy Patrick xx
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  Bob Altwein Look sharp, feel sharp!

Hard work has not been in organizing things but in trying to keep my self-worth intact, given the barrage of abuse and denigration from uppity up-country types! Cheers, Il Desolatore!

Hi Courtier, waiting in the wings, Our Sometime Fellow Rider, now Our Ever Reluctant Pelotonian!

Sorry to learn that the Hard Working, Candle Burning Sisterhood won't be joining thistereven but delighted to accept kind invitazzione for Friday. As I quill and quire, I'm supping on a melange of refired, (sometimes my typing disorder comes up with a more appropriate word!), lentils, celery and sustainable oink, slathered in local hot sauce from St Martin! I can take reasonably fiery expressions but La Sensitiva needs but gentle flavours or else her stomach, lower intestinal tract and bowels revolteth. ("Oh, Knave, how revolting! How disgusting!" sayeth the Queen! Thanks for cutting Fauxpaws off at the pass. That pesky critter is always rearing its pesky head! Cheers, Il Volcanatore!

PS: Remind me to pass along some red and green, hot peppers, if you'd like them, to use for Friday's fire-breathing dragon affair! 

PPHL: 33.1 k over 1:31:42. AVG 21.6 KPH, MAX 55.9 KPH 

Hey Patrick,

Thanks for your interest in Montague Bikes. It sounds you have quite the series of trips planned in the coming months. I'd be happy to send out a Montague T-shirt for you wear on your travels. What size would you need? We're a little low on stock right now, so hopefully we have the appropriate size...Best Regards, Ryan

Patrick James Dunn US Consul's residence but still a blast!

 Dear Audience:

In order to clear up a misconception that I, like many others, have (had) with respect to deer and the scatology of said species, this profoundly news-breaking report based on extensive research will provide all with the true facts about the matter at hand.

After spending almost two (2) decades traipsing through the regional forest--some fourteen hundred (1,400) acres--nestled alongside my previous homestead in Pefferlaw, Ontario, Canada (44.3500° N, 79.1000° W), I sometimes felt something squishing beneath my feet that looked much like dark-roasted coffee beans (SEE EXHIBIT A--attached). It did not take me too long to determine that, indeed, these were not coffee beans that may have fallen out of someone's pocket, but rather were 'presents' left by deer that lived among the tall white pines. Ever since arriving at that conclusion, I was forever convinced that all deer droppings were as such regardless of the deer's size, gender, place-of-birth, religious beliefs and so on and so forth--a universal truth!

WRONG.

It took me up until now to find out that I have been deluded these some sixty years past. During my efforts on trying to cultivate a wee bit of land midway up on Sugarloaf Mountain so that I could grow some veggies, to my surprise I came across irrefutable proof (SEE EXHIBIT B--attached) that 'presents' left by deer didn't necessarily look like dark-roasted coffee beans.

You never know. Yours truly, TOOMUCHTIMEONMYHANDS

I can't help noticing that your scatological argument is built on the unstated (and so far unproven) premise that the presents seen in both photographs were left by deer.  I suspect a Spurious Enthymeme. 

Enthymeme n Logic

1. (Philosophy / Logic) an incomplete syllogism, in which one or more premises are unexpressed as their truth is considered to be self-evident

2. (Philosophy / Logic) any argument some of whose premises are omitted as obvious

[via Latin from Greek enthumēma, from enthumeisthai to infer (literally: to have in the mind), from en-² + thumos mind]

Dear Mr. Martinet:

Sorry, but I don't have a time lapse camera. Just gotta take me for my word!

Dear Scatologists, Martinets et al!

As a seasoned hunter, tracker and scout for the Franklin Expedition, I can assure the Sparring Nitwits that each is wrong. The fecal matter, (At first glance, I assumed the droppings were the Kalamata olives which we were served for a snack on Saturday!), is neither from deer nor the elusive Enthymeme, Wild, Spurious or Domesticated. The common, garden variety of Enthymeme, indigenous to Nanaimo and Friar Tuck Way, in particular, leaves droppings which look very much like cigarette butts. I noticed many of these, scattered everywhere on the property, and, indeed, in the otherwise quite scrupulously clean house, right against Sugarloaf Mountain Park.

I will be more than pleased to mediate this name-calling rant at the next meeting of the NRBC since I feel it unlikely than any of the participants, either in rant or Book Club, will have bothered to read Indian Horse. Cheers, Patrizzio The Puppetmeister!

• Chloe Alexis Dunn Look at my Daddi O all dressed!!!
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  Margareta Maunsbach Woaw! I'd never imagined you would wear anything but flowered shirts and clogs Hopefylle you had fun at the embassy!!
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  Rebecca Frazier Looking good pat!! Ps I love Jeanette Walls

  

  Patrick James Dunn The New Me! Arrivederci Clogs and Hawaiian Shirts!!!